Mr Scholz said on Sunday that the European country looked to diversify its trade partners and expand economic partnerships in the energy-rich region.

His visit to Africa is the third in two years and comes as conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere highlight the growing importance of an energy-rich region as an alternative to Russian energy.

Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer and Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The trade volume between Germany and Nigeria is estimated to be about $3bn (£2.4bn) annually.

“There are a lot of chances, not just from gas and oil... but for better using the capacities of your country, but also for going into investments for the future, which is about hydrogen,” Mr Scholz said in a joint briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Nigerian capital, Abuja

Mr Scholz is also pushing for cooperation with Nigeria to help tackle illegal migration from West Africa to Europe.

On his part, President Tinubu sought the support of Germany in tackling insecurity and also working to turn the economy of Nigeria around.